Republican Jean Leising, Oldenburg, announced Jan. 21 that she will be a candidate in state Senate District 42, which includes Shelby, Rush, Decatur and Fayette counties and a portion of Franklin County. The seat is being vacated by retiring Sen. Robert Jackman. She served as the state senator from 1988-96.

Leising stated, "I will work to lower property taxes, protect the rights of property owners and decrease government spending. Quality health care for all ages, including home care and long-term care, have always been important issues to me. I remain pro-life and a strong defender of Second Amendment rights."

While serving as a state senator, she was recognized for her work on health and business issues, receiving the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business in 1992 and 1996. Leising received special awards in her work on health care from Indiana Home Care, Residential Care, Counseling Association, Optometric Society and the Social Workers. She also received several Right to Life awards in 1995 and the National Rifle Association Defender of Freedom Award in 1996.

Leising and her husband, Frank Thompson, reside on their farm at 5268 Stockpile Road, Oldenburg in Franklin County. The mother of three children (Jill Koch, Jennifer Whaley and Jeffrey Leising) has three granddaughters.

The daughter of a retailer who owned Schoettelkotte Bros. General Store grew up in Lawrenceville in northern Dearborn County. After losing her first husband to a farm accident in 1980, the Sunman High School and Good Samaritan School of Nursing graduate continued the family farming operation.

She was recognized as the 1985 Indiana Farm Bureau Woman of the Year and in 1986 was elected Indiana Corn Growers Association president. Leising, with her daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Jeff Koch, are partners in a 300 sow breed to wean hog operation. She works with her daughter at Adventures In Travel.

Leising welcomes comments on issues at Jeanleising@aol.com or evenings at 934-4118.